Expert: William J Perkins - 3/3/2008

Question
Below is my original question along with your answer. I startled a new question because is said there were too many responses. The clock information that we were missing was the number 76 located above Franz Hermle. One of your reply's indicated a new movement would cost about $120. Is this something a reasonably mechanically inclined person can do. My local clock repair company wanted $550 to replace it.

QUESTION: Here is the info we got off of the clock movement.

Franz Hermle

No (0) Jewels

Made in west Germany

unajuste or una)juste)

85cm/70.77

ANSWER: I am sorry, the information you sent is incomplete.  Hermle ALWAYS stamps the model number on their movement's bacKplate.  The model number appears right below the name HERMLE.  If I were to guess those numbers would be 451-050.  This was a frequently used movement in Wards clocks.  Withstanding lack of a model number my original prognosis still stands.  "Generally speaking when the chime train starts acting funny it is telling you to "GIVE ME A BATH!!!!"



ANSWER: With that final bit of information we now know that your clock's movement was made in 1976.  Yes, replacing a movement in its case is a job that can be done by "a reasonably mechanical inclined person".  Quite a few people assemble all sorts of clocks they purchase in kit form.  You would actually have to call upon lesser skill that a kit builder.  After all you would not be called upon to assemble and to finish the case.  You would simply be dropping in the movement.  If you need a "security blanket" I would suggest you seek out the movement installation booklet for the Emperor 300 model.  Really though it is not a big deal.  If you can remove the current movement from the case you can surely install the replacement. Simply carefully observe what you are doing and reverse the procedure.  If you need help get in contact with me.  Regards WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Where can I get the movement. In looking at the clock removing the hands seem like the most delicate part, is there something special in doing that or are they just pressed on, i don't want to damage them.

Answer
I suggest you contact Butterworth Clocks Inc., of Muscatine, Iowa 52761.  Butterworth is the largest distributor of mechanical clock movements in the USA.  You can find them on the Internet or contact them by phone 1-563-263-6759.  To get an exact replacement you will need a Hermle 451-050 movement set up for 85 cm pendulum.  
Removing the hands is the easiest thing you will have to do.  observing the clock from the front you will see the minute hand is held in place by what is called a hand nut, you simply unscrew that nut and pull off the hand.  Leaving you the hour hand to remove, this you simply pull off.  Be sure to grasp the hand as close to its anchor post as you can.  The most delicate part will be the actual removal of the movement.  But, if you have average mechanical skill it should pose no problem.  Look the thing over very carefully, the procedure should become fairly obvious.  Believe me, there is nothing complex about it.  To me replacing the dust bag on a vacuum cleaner is harder.  At least you don't have to worry about sticking your finger through the bag or the think blowing off when you turn the machine on. Go to it with confidence, you should do fine.  Regards WJP